Definition

Adjective Not healed; not having returned to a healthy or sound condition after an injury or damage.

Usage

Used to describe a wound, injury, or other physical or metaphorical damage that has not yet recovered or closed up. * The unhealed cut on his hand was at risk of infection. * Years later, the emotional scars from the war remained unhealed.

Examples

• The doctor was concerned about the unhealed fracture visible on the X-ray.
• She applied a fresh bandage to the unhealed burn.
• The conflict left deep and unhealed divisions within the community.

Advanced Usage

• Can be used in a figurative sense to describe persistent emotional pain, social rifts, or unresolved issues.
  • The unhealed trauma affected his ability to form relationships.
  • The treaty did not address the unhealed grievances between the two nations.

Variants and Related Words

• Healed (adj.): The antonym; having become sound or healthy again.
• Heal (v.): To make or become healthy or whole again.
• Healing (n./adj.): The process of becoming healthy; having the property to cure.

Synonyms

• Open
• Raw
• Festering
• Unresolved (figurative)
• Lingering (figurative)

Antonyms

• Healed
• Closed
• Scarred
• Mended
• Resolved (figurative)

Adjective

1. not healed
   • an unhealed wound